Update on injured kitesurfer Lewis Crathern’s condition

THE mum of champion kitesurfer Lewis Crathern from Worthing has said doctors are hopeful he may be woken from his coma within the next few days.

The 31-year-old former British kitesurfing champion has been in a medically induced coma in South Africa after an accident during a competition on Sunday.

Sandra Crathern spoke to a member of a the Kitesurfing Armada Facebook group yesterday, and they posted this update on their page: “Quick update on Lewis, no major development but we spoke to his mum in Cape Town who wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the support.

“She is feeling really positive he is in great hands, and that the doctors keep telling her all will be well.

“Sandra confirmed they are still aiming to bring Lew out of the induced coma over the next day or two, and everyone seems very happy with how he is doing in every other way health wise – it’s just the water on the lungs they need to solve.

“She was overwhelmed with all the interest and support, and very pleased the local news had been pushing the story back here.”

Sandra herself posted a message this morning, thanking everyone for their support next to a photograph of Lewis striking a pose on a South African beach.

She said: “We are looking forward to seeing Lewis striking this pose soon xx thank you everyone for your love support and prayers.”

Lewis, who was the freestyle British champion from 2005 to 2008, was hurt while competing in the semi-finals of the Red Bull King of the Air competition at Big Bay in Blouberg, South Africa, on Sunday.

According to news reports from the country, he attempted a massive kite loop at the start of the second semi-final, but his kite stalled and he slammed into the surf on his back after freefalling 15 to 20 metres.

Video footage of the crash has emerged on YouTube, to watch the footage click here